Structural attachment sealing system

ABSTRACT

In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to a system and apparatuses for sealing a structural attachment to a flat or shingle roof. More specifically, the invention relates to providing the system for sealing structural attachments for solar panel mounts for rail guides. The invention utilizes an adhesive sealant to create a permanent watertight seal at any surface penetration. The system may be used for any structural attachment, fastener, mount, or other penetration that requires sealing. Typical building applications include roof penetrations and wall penetrations for cases such as roof vents, structural attachment, conduit or pipe penetrations, or electrical mounts to name a few.

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.15/840,430 filed on Dec. 13, 2017 that was based on provisionalapplication No. 62/433,953 filed on Dec. 14, 2016. The invention relatesgenerally to providing a system and apparatus for sealing a structuralattachment. More specifically, the invention relates to providing thesystem for sealing structural attachments for solar panel mounts forrail guides.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of the Invention

The system utilizes an adhesive sealant to create a permanent watertightseal at any surface penetration. The system may be used for anystructural attachment, fastener, mount, or other penetration thatrequires sealing. Typical building applications include roofpenetrations and wall penetrations for cases such as roof vents,structural attachment, conduit or pipe penetrations, or electricalmounts to name a few.

The system allows the user to fasten or place any attachment over thepenetration point. Sealant is then injected under pressure using, by wayof example, a sealant dispenser gun, into an enclosed cavity around thepenetration. The force from the sealant dispenser gun increases thepressure inside the enclosed cavity and forces all the air out through avent hole. This ensures that the sealant completely fills all the voidsand removes the air inside the enclosed cavity around the penetration.Variations of the preferred embodiment are also provided.

The system creates a permanent airtight and watertight seal that doesmore than just shed water around the attachment. The system alsoeliminates the need for standard flashing and assemblies, which mayreduce installation costs. The system also eliminates the need to breakthe manufacturer's seal on the leading edge of roof shingles andeliminates the risk of removing nails on upper courses of shingles,which creates additional penetrations in the roof thereby making thestructure more vulnerable to leaks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the following illustrative figures. In the followingfigures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and stepsthroughout the figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary attachmentmount.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the attachment mount ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the front perspective viewof FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a standard shingle roof.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the attachment mount secured tothe roof of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a standard sealant gun applyingsealant into a port hole on the attachment mount.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theattachment mount of FIG. 1 in the form of a standoff-type attachment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the standoff-typeattachment mount being secured to the roof of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of thestandoff-type attachment mount.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applyingsealant to a port hole in the standoff-type attachment mount.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of a mount with the standoff-typeattachment mount.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary tile-hookattachment mount.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rear of the tile-hookattachment mount.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary flush mountattachment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded front perspective view of the flushmount attachment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flush mountattachment.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the flush mountattachment being secured to the roof of FIG. 4.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applyingsealant into a port hole on the flush mount attachment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary universalbase mount.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the universalbase mount.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the universal basemount being secured to the roof of FIG. 4.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applyingsealant into a port hole on the universal base mount.

FIG. 23 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary conduitmount.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the conduit mount.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the conduit mount.

FIG. 26 illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the conduitmount being secured to the roof of FIG. 4.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applyingsealant into a port hole of the conduit mount.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the conduit mount with aconduit being assembled to the roof of FIG. 4.

FIG. 29 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary conduitriser.

FIG. 30 illustrates a front perspective view of the conduit riser withthe conduit.

FIG. 31 illustrates a front perspective cross-sectional view of theconduit riser with the conduit.

FIG. 32 illustrates a top view of the roof of FIG. 4 with an opening forthe conduit.

FIG. 33 illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the conduitriser secured to the roof of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the mount shown in FIGS. 1-6 that utilizes an anchor bolt forsecuring the mount to a roof.

FIG. 35 illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment in FIG.34.

FIG. 36 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment inFIG. 35.

FIG. 37 illustrates a rear cross-sectional view of the embodiment inFIG. 35.

FIG. 38 illustrates a front perspective view of the anchor bolt used tosecure the embodiment in FIG. 34 prior to insertion into a pilot hole ofa roof.

FIG. 39 illustrates a front perspective view of the anchor bolt used tosecure the embodiment in FIG. 34 after being installed into a pilot holeof the roof.

FIG. 40 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the installed anchorbolt in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 illustrates an exploded view of an installed version of theembodiment in FIG. 34.

FIG. 42 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an installed versionof the embodiment in FIG. 34.

FIG. 43 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the mount shown in FIG. 34 that utilizes multiple angled screws tosecure the mount to a roof.

FIG. 44 illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 43.

FIG. 45 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view of a low-slope universalattachment mount.

FIG. 47 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the mount shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 that utilizes anchor bolts tosecure the mount to a roof.

FIG. 50 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shownin FIG. 49.

FIG. 52 illustrates a perspective view of the sealant gun applyingsealant into a port hole of the embodiment shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 53 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of asolar panel rail guide.

FIG. 54 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the solarpanel rail guide of FIG. 53.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are provided to thoroughly understand thevarious aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, bythose skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, knownstructures and devices are shown or discussed. More generally in orderto avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of theoperation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms ofthe invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented insoftware. It should be noted that there are many different andalternative configurations, devices and technologies to which thedisclosed embodiments may be applied. The full scope of the invention isnot limited to the example(s) that are described below.

An exemplary embodiment of an attachment for sealing structuralattachments for solar panel mounts for rail guides is shown in FIG. 1 inthe form of a flush-type mount 100. FIG. 1 illustrates the front side ofthe flush-type mount 100 includes a lower portion 120 that includes abase 110 that is typically mounted and conforms to a top surface of astructure such as a roof 200 shown in FIG. 4. Throughout thisdescription, the term “roof” can also mean “structure.” The base 110 isrounded in this embodiment, but as with other alternate exemplaryembodiments shown below, the shape of the base 110 can be any suitableform. The front side of the lower portion 120 tapers upward and forms agenerally first concave section 132 and as shown in FIG. 2, the rearside tapers upward and forms a generally second concave section 136.Each of these concave sections 132 and 136 define the bottom of an upperportion of the mount 100, and are contiguous with a generally convexsection 133. These concave and convex sections enable the apparatus todispel water away from the base and create a volume to form the internalcavity. The first concave section 132 also forms an external cavity 134,which includes a base or seat 137 and an opening 125 through the seat137 for receiving a bolt 130. The bolt 130 typically comprises a nut orhead 131 for tightening the bolt 130 to secure the flush-type mount 100to the roof 200 by penetrating a shaft 135 into an opening or pilot hole210 on the roof 200 so that the head of the bolt resides on the seat137. A generally U-shaped guide 140, which includes a pair of verticalmembers 141 and 142 that are contiguous with the internal cavity,extends upward contiguously from the concave sections 132 and 136 andthe convex section 133 of the lower portion 120. The lower portion 120tapers upward and forms this U-shaped guide 140, and the verticalmembers 141 and 142 form an aperture 160. Each of the members 141 and142 on the guide 140 also includes a ridged surface 150. The aperture160 is configured to receive a bolt that in turn is used to secure amounting rail (not shown) to the ridged surface 150, which providesfriction to assist the connection.

FIG. 2 illustrates the rear side of the flush-type mount 100. The lowerportion 120 includes a port 170 and a vent 180. It is understood thatthe port 170 and the vent 180 can be located anywhere on the lowerportion 120. FIG. 3, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of theflush mount 100, shows that the port hole 170 and the vent 180 provideaccess to a cavity 127. The cavity 127 provides a reservoir for sealant175 that is injected into the port 170 by way, for example, of a sealantgun 300 as shown in FIG. 6. An optional seal 115 is provided along theperimeter of the base 110, and the bottom of the cavity 127 typicallyshould cover the entire surface area within the base 110 and theoptional seal 115. The vent 180 enables excess air inside the cavity 127to be released as sealant 175 is injected into the cavity 127 so thatthe sealant 175 can cover the full surface area along the base 110 andseal the flush-type mount 100 to the surface of the roof 200 to preventany liquid from leaking into the roof 200 where the flush-type mount 100is secured.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the steps of installing the flush-type mount 100 tothe roof 200. FIG. 4 shows a top view of the roof 200. The first step ininstalling the system is to bore a pilot hole 210, typically with adrill, into a roof shingle on the roof 200 and fill it with sealant 175.FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the flush-type mount 100 beinginstalled. The next step is to place the mount 100 over the pilot hole210 and secure the mount 100 by inserting the bolt 130 into the opening125 and tightening it by rotating the nut 131 until the shaft 135 isfully inserted into the pilot hole 210. Once secured, as shown in FIG.6, the sealant gun 300 is used to inject sealant 175 into the port hole170. The cavity 127 is filled with sealant 175 until the sealant 175begins to escape out of the vent 180 on the mount 100. When the sealant175 begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity 127 hasbeen filled with sealant 175, thereby sealing the mount 100 to the roof200.

This form of securing and sealing attachment mounts is also provided invarious alternate embodiments. One exemplary embodiment is astandoff-type attachment/mount 400 as shown in FIG. 7. The standoff-type400 includes a base 410 and a pair of openings 425 (shown in FIG. 8) onopposite sides of the base 410 for bolts 430 to secure the standoff-typemount 400 to the roof 200. Each bolt 430 also has a shaft 435 extendingdownward and a threaded portion 437 on the shaft 435. The standoff-typemount 400 includes a support 440 with a port hole 470 and outer threads442 that are used to receive an attachment 500 as shown in FIG. 11. Thesupport 440 and base 410 form a hollow cavity 427 that is accessible bythe port hole 470. An optional thread patch 450 is also included thatassists in restricting the movement of the attachment 500 when it isrotated onto the support 440.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate the steps of installing the standoff-type mount400 to the roof 200. Like with the flush-type mount 100, the first stepin installing the system is to bore pilot holes 210, typically with adrill, into a roof shingle on the roof 200 and fill it with sealant 175.FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the standoff-type mount 400 beinginstalled. The next step is to place the mount 400 over the pilot holes210 and secure the mount 400 by inserting the bolts 430 into theopenings 425 and tightening each bolt 430 by rotating the nut 431 untilthe shaft 435 is fully inserted into the pilot hole 210. FIG. 9illustrates further details of the standoff-type mount 400. An optionalsealing lip 455 that surrounds the inner surface of the cavity 427 isshown.

Once secured, as shown in FIG. 10, the sealant gun 300 is used to injectsealant 175 into the port hole 470. In this embodiment, the port hole470 can act both as a port hole 470 and a vent. The cavity 427 is filledwith sealant 175 until the sealant 175 begins to escape out of the porthole 470 on the mount 400. When the sealant 175 begins to escape, itprovides visual notice that the cavity 427 has been filled with sealant175, thereby sealing the mount 400 to the roof 200. As shown in FIG. 11,once the mount 400 has been sealed to the roof 200, the attachment 500can be coupled to the support 440, typically by rotating it along thethreaded portion 437 until it is fully tightened.

Another exemplary embodiment is a tile-hook attachment/mount 600 asshown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The tile-hook mount 600 includes a base 610and a pair of openings 625 (shown in FIG. 13) on opposite sides of thebase 610 for bolts 630 to secure the tile-hook mount 600 to the roof200. Each bolt 630 also has a shaft 635 extending downward and athreaded portion 637 on the shaft 635. The tile-hook mount 600 includesan attachment mount 620 with a lower portion that extends from the base610 in a general L-shape. The upper portion of the attachment mount 620forms an apparatus similar to that shown in the flush-type mount 100with a generally U-shaped guide 640 that comprises a pair of members 641and 642 extending from opposing sides of the upper portion of theattachment mount 620, which in turn forms an aperture 660. Each of themembers 641 and 642 on the guide 640 also include a ridged surface 650.The aperture 660 is configured to receive a bolt that in turn is used tosecure a mounting rail (not shown) to the ridged surface 650, whichprovides friction to assist the connection.

The base 610 also includes a port hole 670. As shown in FIG. 13, thebase 610 comprises a hollow cavity 627 that is accessible by the porthole 670. Once secured, as shown in FIG. 13, the steps of use aresimilar to the previously discussed mounts. Pilot holes 210 are bored,typically with a drill, into the roof 200 and the holes 210 are filledwith sealant 175. The sealant gun 300 is used to inject sealant 175 intothe port hole 670. In this embodiment, the port hole 670 can act both asa port hole 670 and a vent. The cavity 627 is filled with sealant 175until the sealant 175 begins to escape out of the port hole 670 from thebase 610 on the mount 600. When the sealant 175 begins to escape, itprovides visual notice that the cavity 627 has been filled with sealant175, thereby sealing the mount 600 to the roof 200.

Another exemplary embodiment is a universal flush mount 700 as shown inFIGS. 14-16. The universal flush mount 700 includes a base 710 and anopening 725 (shown in FIG. 16) in the middle of the mount 700 for ahanger bolt 730 that is used to secure the universal flush mount 700 tothe roof 200. The hanger bolt 730 also has a shaft 735 extendingdownward and a threaded portion 737 on the shaft 735. The universalflush mount 700 includes an optional seal 715 that extends around theperimeter of the base 710. A washer 760 may be coupled between the topend of the hanger bolt 730 and the top surface of the base 710 toprovide a tighter seal.

The base 710 also includes a port hole 770 on its top surface. As shownin FIG. 16, the base 710 comprises a hollow cavity 727 that isaccessible by the port hole 770 and a vent 780 that are both typicallyon the top surface of the base 710. The port hole 770 is typicallylarger than the vent 780, although the port hole 770—like the other portholes as discussed herein, should be capable of fitting a sealantinjection device like the sealant gun 300 as shown herein. As shown inFIG. 17, a pilot hole 210 is drilled into the roof 200 and the hole 210is filled with sealant 175. The hanger bolt 730 is then inserted throughthe opening 725 and is tightened until the mount 700 is secured to theroof 200. Once secured, as shown in FIG. 18, the steps of use aresimilar to the previously discussed mounts. The sealant gun 300 is usedto inject sealant 175 into the port hole 770. The cavity 727 is thenfilled with sealant 175 until the sealant 175 begins to escape throughthe port hole 780 from the base 710. When the sealant 175 begins toescape, it provides visual notice that the cavity 727 has been filledwith sealant 175, thereby sealing the mount 700 to the roof 200.

Another exemplary embodiment is a universal base mount 800 as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20. The universal base mount 800 includes a base 810 and anopening 825 (shown in FIG. 20) in the middle of the mount 800 for a bolt830 that is used to secure the universal base mount 800 to the roof 200.The bolt 830 also has a shaft 835 extending downward and a threadedportion 837 on the shaft 835. The universal base mount 800 also includesa plurality of internally threaded apertures 890 that are used to securea mount (not shown) to the universal base mount 800. The mount 800 alsoincludes an optional seal 815 that extends around the perimeter of acavity 827 within the base 810. A washer 860 may be coupled between thetop end of the bolt 830 and the top surface of the base 810 to provide atighter seal.

The base 810 also includes a port hole 870 on its top surface. As shownin FIG. 20, the base 810 comprises the hollow cavity 827 that isaccessible by the port hole 870 and a vent 880 that are both typicallyon the top surface of the base 810. The port hole 870 is typicallylarger than the vent 880, although the port hole 870—like the other portholes as discussed herein, should be capable of fitting a sealantinjection device like the sealant gun 300 as shown herein and aretypically positioned on opposite sides of the base 810. As shown in FIG.21, a pilot hole 210 is bored, typically with a drill, into the roof 200and the hole 210 is filled with sealant 175. The bolt 830 is theninserted through the opening 825 and is tightened until the mount 800 issecured to the roof 200. Once secured, as shown in FIG. 22, the steps ofuse are similar to the previously discussed mounts. The sealant gun 300is used to inject sealant 175 into the port hole 870. The cavity 827 isthen filled with sealant 175 until the sealant 175 begins to escapethrough the port hole 880 from the base 810. When the sealant 175 beginsto escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity 827 has been filledwith sealant 175, thereby sealing the mount 800 to the roof 200.

Another exemplary embodiment is a conduit mount 900 as shown in FIGS.23-25. The conduit mount 900 typically supports a conduit 1000, whichcan be of any suitable shape such as a cylindrical pipe as shown in FIG.28. As shown in FIG. 23, the conduit mount 900 includes a base 910 andan opening 925 (shown in FIG. 24) in the middle of the mount 900 forreceiving a bolt 930 that is used to secure the conduit mount 900 to theroof 200. The bolt 930 also has a shaft 935 extending downward and athreaded portion 937 on the shaft 935. The base 910 typically tapersupward and forms a generally U-shaped guide that comprises a pair ofmembers 945 and 946 extending from opposing sides of the base 910, whichin turn forms an opening 920 configured to receive the conduit 1000.Each of the members 945 and 946 also includes a threaded aperture 940and 941 respectively. The apertures 945 and 946 are configured toreceive a securing bolt 950 that is threaded 955.

The base 910 also includes a port hole 970 on its outer surface. Asshown in FIG. 25, the base 910 comprises the hollow cavity 927 that isaccessible by the port hole 970 and a vent 980 that are both typicallyon the outer surface of the base 910. The port hole 970 is typicallylarger than the vent 980, although the port hole 970—like the other portholes as discussed herein, should be capable of fitting a sealantinjection device like the sealant gun 300 as shown herein and aretypically positioned on opposite sides of the base 910. As shown in FIG.26, the bolt 930 is inserted through the opening 925 and is tighteneduntil the mount 900 is secured to the roof 200. Once secured, as shownin FIGS. 27 and 28, the steps of use are similar to the previouslydiscussed mounts. The sealant gun 300 is used to inject sealant 175 intothe port hole 970. The cavity 927 is then filled with sealant 175 untilthe sealant 175 begins to escape through the port hole 980 from the base910. When the sealant 175 begins to escape, it provides visual noticethat the cavity 927 has been filled with sealant 175, thereby sealingthe mount 900 to the roof 200. Once the conduit mount 900 is secured tothe roof 200, the conduit 1000 can be inserted through the opening 920and secured to the mount 900 by using the second bolt 950 and tighteningit through the apertures 940 and 941 using the threaded portion 955 ofthe second bolt 950.

Another exemplary embodiment is a conduit riser attachment 1100 as shownin FIGS. 29-31. The conduit riser 1100 typically fits over a conduitthat rises through the roof 200 through a conduit hole 240 as shown inFIG. 33. The conduit riser 1100 includes a base 1110, that extendsupward to a top end with a conduit gasket 1120 on the top end thatsurrounds an opening 1115 that is configured to receive a conduit 1200as shown in FIG. 30.

The base 1110 also includes a port hole 1170 on its outer surface. Asshown in FIGS. 29-31, the base 1110 comprises the hollow cavity 1125 forholding sealant 175 and is accessible by the port hole 1170 and a vent1180 that are both typically on the outer surface of the base 1110. Theport hole 1170 is typically larger than the vent 1180, although the porthole 1170—like the other port holes as discussed herein, should becapable of fitting a sealant injection device like the sealant gun 300as shown herein and are typically positioned on opposite sides of thebase 1110.

As shown in FIG. 32, the conduit hole 240 is bored into the roof 200.The conduit 1200 is then attached to a rafter in an attic (not shown)below the roof 200. The conduit riser 1100 is then placed over theconduit 1200 as shown in FIG. 33 until fully seated on the roof 200. Thesealant gun 300 is used to inject sealant 175 into the port hole 1170.The cavity 1127 is then filled with sealant 175 until the sealant 175begins to escape through the port hole 1180 from the base 1110. When thesealant 175 begins to escape, it provides visual notice that the cavity1127 has been filled with sealant 175, thereby sealing the conduit riser1100 to the roof 200. Once the conduit riser 1100 is secured to the roof200, the process is complete.

Another exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 34-42 and is a variationof the flush-type mount 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6. This embodiment providestwo different features. First, referring to FIG. 34, instead of securingthe mount 100 to roof 200 by using bolt 130, the mount is secured byutilizing an anchor bolt 162 in combination with a grommet 163.Referring to FIGS. 38-40, the anchor bolt 162 includes two legs that arebent so that they are generally at a right angle to each other. At leastone of the legs includes external threads 166 that are configured toreceive a threaded bolt 164. The grommet 163, is inserted into the pilothole 210 so that the external threads on the grommet 163 fit snugglyinto the pilot hole 210 and the grommet 163 is near the bend in theanchor bolt 162 as shown in FIG. 38. It is understood that the grommet163 can include internal threads that allow it to be rotated along thethreaded portion 166 of one of the legs of the anchor bolt 162 until thegrommet 163 resides near the bend of the anchor bolt 162 as well. Theanchor bolt 162 is installed by inserting the second leg of the anchorbolt 162 into the pilot hole 210 so that the inserted leg is positionedgenerally parallel to, and beneath the roof 200 with the grommet 163being firmly secured within the pilot hole 210 as shown in FIGS. 39 and40. Once installed, the threaded leg of the anchor bolt 162 is exposedand firmly positioned to receive the mount 100 through opening 125.Referring to FIGS. 34-35, and the exploded view of FIG. 41, the mount100 is secured by affixing a nut 164 on the threaded leg of the anchorbolt 162 over an optional washer 165. A standard bolt 166 is typicallyinserted into the aperture 160 and can secure other objects to the rearside of the mount 100 with a standard nut 167 and washer 168combination. The cross-sectional views in FIGS. 36 and 42 illustrate thefinal installation in more detail.

Second, as shown in FIG. 35, the mount 100 includes a modified sealantport hole 171 that typically is comprised of a flexible material such asrubber and provides for easy insertion of the sealant gun 300 andprovides for improved delivery of sealant into the cavity 127. Anadditional vent 180 that is coupled to the cavity 127 is also included.Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, the cavity 127 further comprises a pair ofsealant guides 128. Each sealant guide 128 is a vertical barrier thatextends downward from the upper wall of the cavity 127 and ends slightlyabove the bottom of the mount 100. Each of the guides 128 form a channel132 and two outer chambers 133 that are interconnected with each otherwithin the cavity 127. The outer chambers 133 are coupled to each of thevent holes 180 respectively and are designed to provide a more uniformdistribution of sealant as it is inserted from the sealant gun 300 intothe port hole 171. The channel 132 is coupled to the sealant port hole171 and is configured to directly receive sealant from the sealant gun300. As the sealant is inserted into, and begins filling the channel132, the guides 128 serve to uniformly direct the sealant into each ofthe outer chambers 133. When the outer chambers 133 become filled withsealant, the sealant will begin to evacuate from the vent holes 180 andgive visual notice that the entire cavity 127 is filled. An optionalseal 129 is also included. The seal 129 includes a plurality of ribs129A that provide added sealing capability to prevent sealant leaksunder pressure. The ribs 129A can be solid or flexible depending on theneeds of the installer.

Another exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 43-45 and is a variationof the flush-type mount 100 shown in FIGS. 34-42. Instead of securingthe mount 100 to the roof 200 by utilizing a single anchor bolt 162, themount 100 is secured by utilizing four screws 1385 as shown. Each of thescrews 1385 is threaded and inserted through corresponding apertures1360 that are positioned on the opposite ends of the front and rearsides of the mount 100 and are slightly angled inward toward the centerof the mount 100.

The mount is installed by placing the mount 100 at the desired locationon the roof 200 and inserting each of the screws 1385 into the apertures1360 and drilling them into the roof 200. It is understood by one ofordinary skill in the art that although the angles of the apertures 1360are directed inward, the particular angles are not determinative insecuring the mount 100 to the roof 200. It is also understood thatalthough four screws 1385 are preferred, the number of screws andapertures 1385 used can vary as long as they secure and seal the mount100 to the roof 200.

Another exemplary embodiment of a mount with similar features as theprior mounts is shown in FIGS. 46-48. In this embodiment, a low-slopeuniversal attachment mount 1400 is shown. Referring to FIGS. 46 and 47,the mount 1400 comprises a base 1493 that includes an outer shell 1492with a flanged sealing lip 1429 comprising a plurality of ribs 1429Aextending from the sealing lip's 1429 lower surface. It is understoodthat the ribs 1429A can be flexible or rigid. The base 1493 has a topsupport surface 1497 that is generally round and tapers downward towardthe outer shell 1492 that forms a cavity 1427. The top support surface1497 further comprises a port hole 1471 and vent hole 1480. The porthole 1471 and vent hole 1480 operate in the same fashion as port holesand vent holes in earlier-described embodiments wherein sealant from thesealant gun 300 is inserted into the cavity 1427 through the port hole1471 until it begins to evacuate from the vent hole 1480. Even though itis desired to locate the port hole 1471 and vent hole 1480 on oppositesides of the top support surface 1497 to maximize the amount of sealantthat is inserted into the port hole 1471 before it begins to evacuatefrom the vent hole 1480, the specific location of these holes can be indifferent locations on the top support surface 1497.

The base 1493 is secured to the roof 200 by inserting a plurality ofthreaded screws 1485 into corresponding apertures 1460 that arepositioned at different locations around the perimeter of the topsupport surface 1497 as shown in FIG. 48. Each screw 1485 is drilledinto the roof 200. Optionally, a pilot hole corresponding to each screw1485 can be created and filled with sealant prior to installation toprovide further protection against leaks. At the center of the topsupport surface 1497 is an opening 1425. The opening 1425 is configuredto receive attachment bolt 1495 from beneath the top support surface1497. The attachment bolt 1495 includes outer threads and a head thatrests within seat 1498. An attachment nut 1496 is typically used totighten the attachment bolt 1497 into the seat 1498 so that the threadedportion of the attachment bolt 1495 is exposed above the top supportsurface 1497 and can then be used to secure a bracket (not shown) ontothe top support surface 1497.

Another exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 49-52 and is a variationon the tile hook attachment mount embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13and utilizes the same securing structure as the mount described in FIGS.34-42. Instead of using bolts 630 to secure the tile hook attachmentmount 600 to the roof 200, the embodiment employs a pair of anchor bolts162 with grommets 163. As described in the mount 100 in FIGS. 34-42, theanchor bolt 162 is installed by inserting the second leg of the anchorbolts 162 into a pair of pilot holes 210 on the roof 200 so that theinserted legs are positioned generally parallel to, and beneath the roof200 with the grommets 163 being firmly secured within the pilot holes210 as shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. Once installed, the threaded legs ofthe anchor bolts 162 are exposed and firmly positioned to receive base610 of the mount 600 through openings 666.

Referring to FIGS. 49-50, and the exploded view of FIG. 51, the mount600 is secured by affixing nuts 164 on the threaded legs of the anchorbolts 162 over optional washers 165. The base 610 also includes themodified port hole 171 and vent hole 680 that are both coupled to cavity627. The cavity 627 also includes further comprises a pair of sealantguides 628. Each sealant guide 628 is a vertical barrier that extendsdownward from the upper wall of the cavity 627 and ends slightly abovethe bottom of the mount 600. Each of the guides 628 form a channel 632and two outer chambers 633 that are interconnected with each otherwithin the cavity 627. The outer chambers 633 are coupled to the venthole 680 respectively and are designed to provide a more uniformdistribution of sealant as it is inserted from the sealant gun 300 intothe port hole 171. The channel 632 is coupled to the sealant port hole171 and is configured to directly receive sealant from the sealant gun300. As the sealant is inserted into, and begins filling the channel632, the guides 628 serve to uniformly direct the sealant into each ofthe outer chambers 633. When the outer chambers 633 become filled withsealant, the sealant will begin to evacuate from the vent hole 180 andgive visual notice that the entire cavity 627 is filled. An optionalseal 627 is also included. The seal 629 includes a plurality of ribs629A that provide added sealing capability to prevent sealant leaksunder pressure. The ribs 629A can be solid or flexible depending on theneeds of the installer. A standard bolt 661 is typically inserted intothe aperture 660 and can secure other objects to the of the U-shapedguide 640 with a standard nut 167 and washer 168 combination. Thecross-sectional view in FIG. 50 illustrates the final installation inmore detail.

Another exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 and is a railguide mount 1500. The rail guide mount 1500 includes a base 1510 thatconforms to the shape of the roof 200, is rectangularly shaped, andincludes a pair of guides 1512 on opposing sides of the length of thebase 1510. These guides 1512 include grooves 1513 that conform to theshape of an end of a bracket (not shown) that can be coupled within thegrooves 1513 and support a solar panel bracket (also not shown). Thebase 1510 also comprises an opening 1525 for receiving a bolt 1531. Thebolt 1531 includes a shaft 1532 and the shaft 1532 has a threadedportion 1537 that secures the mount 1500 to a roof 200. The bolt 1531also includes a washer 1530 to provide a sealing mechanism over theopening 1525. The bolt 1531 passes through cavity 1527, whichencompasses the inner volume of the base 1510. As described inpreviously discussed embodiments, a port hole 1571 and a vent hole 1580are located on the top side of the base 1510 and are coupled to thecavity 1527. The port hole 1571 and vent 1580 are generally located onopposite sides of the base 1510. The portions of the cavity 1571 thatare coupled to the port hole 1571 and vent 1580 are separated by a pairof sealant guides 1528. The sealant guides enable sealant to enter theport hole 1571 when inserted with the sealant gun 300 and distribute thesealant in a more evenly fashion by filling the chamber of the cavity1527 nearer to the port hole 1571 first, and then progressively fillingthe chamber beneath and within the portion 1528A of the cavity 1527beneath the sealant guides 1528, and then moving toward the chamber nearthe vent 1580 before it begins to escape through the vent 1580. Theperimeter of the base 1510 includes an optional seal 1529. The sealincludes a plurality of ribs 1529A that provide added sealing capabilityto prevent sealant leaks under pressure. The ribs 1529A can be solid orflexible depending on the needs of the installer.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting device comprising: a base having aninternal cavity bound by an inner surface of the base, the baseextending from a bottom perimeter to a top, wherein the bottom perimeterdefines an open bottom of the base in communication with the internalcavity, and the top has a seat configured to receive and seat a head ofa bolt when the bolt is applied through the base; an upper portion abovethe base, wherein the upper portion extends from the top of the base andincludes opposed vertical members flanking an aperture configured toreceive a mounting rail, opposed major faces of the upper portion, andopposed minor sides of the upper portion between the major faces; andthe minor sides are each inboard of the inner surface of the basebounding the internal cavity; wherein the internal cavity extends fromwithin the base upward to within the upper portion.
 2. The mountingdevice of claim 1, further comprising: a port formed in the upperportion in communication with the internal cavity within the base; and avent in communication with the internal cavity.
 3. The mounting deviceof claim 1, further comprising an opening formed through the base toalign a bolt applied to the opening through the internal cavity and theopen bottom.
 4. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the verticalmembers extend upwardly from the base proximate the seat.
 5. Themounting device of claim 4, further comprising a concave sectionproximate the seat, wherein the concave section is contiguous with thevertical members.
 6. The mounting device of claim 4, wherein the seatdefines an external cavity in the concave section.
 7. The mountingdevice of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises an upstandingsidewall bounding the internal cavity and extending from the base to theupper portion above the base.
 8. A mounting device comprising: a baseextending from a bottom perimeter to a top, wherein the bottom perimeterdefines an open bottom of the base, and the top has a seat contiguouslyformed atop the base to receive and seat a head of a bolt when the boltis applied through the base; a guide extending upward from the top ofthe base, wherein the guide includes opposed major faces and opposedminor sides between the major faces; a concave section proximate theseat, wherein the concave section is contiguous with the guide; aninternal cavity in the base, bound by an inner surface of the base, incommunication with the open bottom of the base, wherein the internalcavity extends from within the base upward to the guide; wherein theminor sides of the guide are each inboard of the inner surface of thebase bounding the internal cavity; and an opening is formed through theseat and the base to align the bolt when applied to the opening throughthe internal cavity and the open bottom.
 9. The mounting device of claim8, further comprising a port and a vent, each formed in communicationwith the internal cavity.
 10. The mounting device of claim 8, whereinthe seat defines an external cavity in the concave section.
 11. Themounting device of claim 8, wherein the guide includes opposed verticalmembers flanking an aperture configured to receive a mounting rail. 12.The mounting device of claim 8, wherein the base further comprises anupstanding sidewall bounding the internal cavity and extending from thebase to the guide.
 13. A mounting device comprising: a base and an upperportion; the upper portion includes a vertical member configured toreceive a mounting rail, opposed major faces, and opposed minor sidesbetween the major faces; the base has a top, a bottom, and an upstandingsidewall extending from a bottom perimeter at the bottom of the base tothe top, wherein the bottom perimeter defines an open bottom incommunication with an internal cavity bound by an inner surface of thebase, and the top has a seat configured to receive and seat a head of abolt when the bolt is applied through the base; the upstanding sidewallextends upward above the top of the base to the upper portion; the minorsides of the vertical member of the upper portion are each inboard ofthe inner surface bounding the internal cavity; and an opening formedthrough the base to align the bolt when applied to the opening throughthe internal cavity and the open bottom.
 14. The mounting device ofclaim 13, further comprising: another vertical member opposing thevertical member; and an aperture flanked by the vertical member and theother vertical member, wherein, when the vertical member receives themounting rail, the mounting rail is disposed against the vertical memberand the other vertical member and across one of the major faces, and theaperture receives a fastener to secure the mounting rail against thevertical members.
 15. The mounting device of claim 13, wherein theinternal cavity extends from within the base upward.
 16. The mountingdevice of claim 15, further comprising a port formed through the base incommunication with the internal cavity, wherein the internal cavityextends from within the base upward to within the upper portion and theport.
 17. The mounting device of claim 13, wherein the vertical memberextends upwardly from the base proximate the seat.
 18. The mountingdevice of claim 13, further comprising a concave section proximate theseat, wherein the concave section is contiguous with the verticalmember.
 19. The mounting device of claim 18, wherein the seat defines anexternal cavity in the concave section.
 20. The mounting device of claim13, further comprising a vent hole above the opening.